Has your doctor recommended that you make an appointment with an orthodontist in Lausanne? Find out more about this dental specialty and the differences between orthodontics and dentistry. What are the most common reasons for consulting an orthodontist? At what age can you start seeing an orthodontist in Fribourg? HELVIDENT explains in this article.
What exactly is orthodontics?
L'orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry. In other words, an orthodontist in Lausanne is a dentist who has undergone additional training after his or her initial training. In Switzerland, orthodontics is one of four federally recognized specialties, along with periodontologyoral surgery and reconstructive dentistry.
The etymology oforthodontics makes it easier to grasp the meaning. The term comes from the Greek "ortho"which meansright" and "odontos"which meanstooth". This specialty aims to correct the positioning or alignment of the teeth and, by extension, the jaws.
The orthodontist is involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this type of anomaly. The aim of orthodontics is not so much aesthetic as functional. Poorly positioned teeth or jaws can interfere with breathing, speaking, chewing or swallowing.
An orthodontist in Lausanne, and more generally in Switzerland, deals with all kinds of malformations of the oral cavity. He can move teeth forward or back, and treat malocclusions, maxillary deformities and mandibular deviations.
Why consult an orthodontist in Lausanne?
Your general practitioner or dentist may advise you to see an orthodontist. Children's and adults' consultations with an orthodontist in Lausanne follow :
- the presence of a supernumerary tooth
- overlapping teeth
- excess space between teeth
- jaw deformity
- a mismatch between the upper jaw and the mandible
- a lack of contact between the teeth of opposing dental arches
- staggered maxillary growth
- palate deformity
- inversion between upper and lower incisors
You can therefore consult an orthodontist for an anomaly related to your teeth, facial bone structures or orofacial functions. Some of these problems may be genetic. Others may be caused by trauma (accident, fall, etc.).
It is becoming increasingly common for adults to consult an orthodontist in Lausanne for aesthetic reasons. The aim is to improve the appearance of the face and/or smile.
Orthodontic appliances
To meet every need, orthodontists can choose from various types of appliances:
- Removable appliances: these are clear resin aligners that follow the shape of the teeth and palate. They can be removed for eating, drinking or brushing.
- Fixed appliances: these are brackets glued to the teeth or connected by a wire. They can be placed on the front of the dental arch or on the back of the tongue for greater discretion.
Before fitting braces, the Lausanne orthodontist checks that the periodontium (mouth bones and gums) is healthy. He may also take an X-ray of the oral cavity. Once the braces have been fitted, the doctor will offer you regular follow-up to check on the progress of your treatment. In cases of severe malformation, you will be referred to a specialist in maxillofacial surgery.
Compliance with a good oral hygiene is essential. Don't hesitate to ask a dental hygienist in Lausanne for advice.
At what age should I start seeing an orthodontist?
Orthodontic practices in Lausanne cater for adults and children from the age of 5. The earlier a problem is treated, the better the results. It is therefore advisable to consult an orthodontist as soon as you notice an anomaly.
- Between 5 and 7 years: treatment is preventive and of short duration. If dentofacial orthopedic appliances are fitted, they should be light. The risk of complications in adolescence is considerably reduced.
- Between the ages of 8 and 11: these are interceptive treatments. At this age, milk teeth cohabit with permanent teeth. Orthodontic monitoring can detect anomalies in the teeth and jaw growth in good time.
- Between the ages of 11 and 16: teenagers have all their permanent teeth. In the event of an anomaly, the orthodontist implements corrective treatment. He or she may fit braces or dental appliances.
Good to know: some seemingly harmless gestures can have harmful consequences. For example, sucking your thumb or pacifier, or pushing on your teeth with your tongue. In the long term, misalignments increase the risk of cavities and chronic gum inflammation.
Consult an orthodontist in Lausanne
HELVIDENT welcomes you to its dental clinic in Lausanne, located in St-Sulpice (Chemin des Memises 2). Our team looks forward to welcoming you for all types of dental care. We have several dentists, hygienists and specialists, including an orthodontist and a periodontist.
If you have any recent prescriptions, tests or X-rays, don't forget to bring them to your doctor for your first consultation. Contact us to make an appointment. You can also visit our dental centers in Fribourg and Aigle.
